The Rise of Other Sports: Impact on Traditional Games
The landscape of global sports is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional games that once dominated the sporting scene are now facing fierce competition from a plethora of emerging sports and activities. This shift is not just a matter of changing preferences; it has far-reaching implications for the future of established competitions and the infrastructure that supports them.
Recent Challenges in Major Sporting Events are a testament to the challenges.
The Commonwealth Games recently faced a significant challenge when Victoria, Australia, stepped down as host. Scotland has since taken on the mantle but with a drastic reduction in participating sports federations—down to just a dozen or less. This reduction illustrates a troubling trend close to a paradigm shift: even major events are struggling to maintain their relevance in a rapidly diversifying sports culture.
Similarly, FIFA is grappling with its own challenges as the World Cup expands to be hosted by multiple countries. The upcoming 2026 tournament will see Mexico, Canada, and the USA sharing hosting duties. This multi-national approach reflects a growing reluctance among individual nations to shoulder the financial burden of hosting such large-scale events. CAF is neither immune to the challenges.
Even the Olympics, traditionally a lucrative venture, are not immune. Organizers are cutting certain activities and re-evaluating the viability of hosting in some regions, signaling a need for adaptation in the face of shifting public interest. The recent push to monetize the Olympics, including cash rewards for athletes in sports like boxing and athletics, is an attempt to attract participants and maintain relevance in a crowded marketplace.
The Rise of New Multi-Sport Events is a welcome reality!
In addition to these challenges, the rise of alternative multi-sport events like the BRICS Games and the World Friendship Games is reshaping the competitive landscape. These events are designed to foster collaboration and unity among participating nations while providing athletes with platforms to showcase their talents. The BRICS Games, in particular, highlight the growing influence of emerging economies in the sports arena, further diversifying the global sports calendar.
These new events emphasize a shift towards a more inclusive approach to sports, where various disciplines are celebrated alongside traditional favorites. As these games gain traction, they challenge the supremacy of long-standing competitions and encourage nations to rethink their sporting priorities.
Infrastructure and Popularity should go hand in hand!
With the population steadily increasing, one would expect an uptick in the construction of football stadiums and other facilities. However, many traditional competitions are struggling to fill these venues. The emergence of various disciplines has led to a more equitable distribution of interest among sports, resulting in a multi-polar approach to sports development.
Countries are increasingly investing in multi-discipline facilities, which cater to a broad range of sports rather than focusing solely on traditional favorites. In Uganda, for instance, we’ve seen teams from other countries renting Namboole Stadium. This raises questions about the sustainability of their own facilities and the financial viability of hosting events.
Qatar’s decision to construct a stadium that can be disassembled after use further illustrates this shift. It reflects a growing trend where individual countries are hesitant to invest heavily in infrastructure that may not be utilized to its full potential.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for nations like Uganda to be proactive rather than reactive. We must avoid rushing into infrastructure development that supports sports that are losing popularity or are unsustainable in the long term. Instead, we should focus on nurturing sports that have the potential for growth, like chess, which can be played in various formats and venues.
The upcoming African Cup of Nations in 2027, set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, offers a unique opportunity for collaboration and innovation. However, it also underscores the need for careful planning and strategic investment in sports that resonate with the current and future generations.
The rise of alternative sports and multi-sport events is reshaping the traditional sporting landscape. While this presents challenges for established competitions, it also offers opportunities for innovation and growth in lesser-known sports. As we navigate this evolving terrain, it is essential to embrace a holistic approach to sports development that prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity. Equitable & fair distribution of resources is the first step in keeping Uganda ahead of the curve.
The writer is
Eng. Mwaka Emmanuel
